We’ve been doing RV shows for a long time—as exhibitors, and as RV lovers. We’ve attended more shows than we can count, and we’ve learned a lot about how to get the most out of an RV show. You definitely want to prepare ahead of time and have a plan of action, because it’s easy to get exhausted and distracted—or just plain miss out on opportunities to get answers you’re looking for.
Large RV shows like the Hershey RV Show offer so much to see and learn and do that it’ll make your head spin. So you should be prepared ahead of time—and take a cue from the insiders about how to get the most out of the show.
RV Show Secrets from the Pros
Here’s our top tips for getting the most out of an RV show.
Prepare ahead of time
Determine your goals and stick to them. Shows are huge and it’s easy to get sidetracked once you’re there, so agree ahead of time on your priorities and what you need to get out of the show. Are you just browsing to get an idea of what you want, or are you looking for a specific type of RV?
If you’re browsing, map out a plan for how to walk the whole floor on day 1 and come back on day 2 to look at specific models. If you’re a first-time buyer, we’ve got a terrific tool to help you envision your dream RV.
Write a list of questions that you need to ask. If you know what you’re looking for, take with you a list of must-have amenities, floor plans, and features so that you can compare RVs. If there are seminars at the show, identify the must-see sessions and plan your itinerary accordingly.
Take lots of photos and notes, ask lots of questions
Don’t be afraid of looking like a newbie—especially if you are a newbie! RV shows are the place to get all the information you can, and lots of people at the show are just as novice at RVing as you are. Vendors and dealers are happy to answer your questions—that’s what they’re there for!
You’ll forget most of the information you hear at the RV show, so take lots of notes and take photos like crazy. Document as much of your experience, thoughts, reactions, and information as you can—most of it will be a blur before you even leave the parking lot.
Create a photo chronicle so that you can easily remember what you saw, who you talked to, and what you may be interested in revisiting later. Here’s how to do it: take a photo of the dealership name, salesperson/business card, photos of the models you’re interested in, and a photo of any paperwork you received so that you can easily tie it all back together later.
Know what you’re looking for, and what you’re willing to spend
If you know what you’re looking for, filter out everything that doesn’t fit your criteria—it’ll simplify your experience at the show quite a lot, and it’ll make the show much more manageable for you.
Get there early
Expect crowds at an RV show. If you get there early (especially on a weekday), you’ll have some time before you have to compete for vendors’ attention or elbow your way around a cramped RV kitchen. And make sure you hit your highest priorities first, before the crowds arrive.
Try before you buy
Don’t just walk through the RVs at the show—pretend you’re actually RVing. Sit behind the wheel and go through the motions of driving. Rehearse meal preparation and morning rituals. Sit at the table and gaze out the window on an imaginary sunset. Will you want to flop onto the couch at the end of the day and watch a movie? Do it at the RV show. Notice the small details:
- What’s the storage space like?
- Will utensils be close at hand?
- Can you reach the cabinets easily?
- Do you have enough head room?
- Can you easily get out of bed?
- Where will you keep your toiletries?
- Will you have the privacy you need from other traveling companions?
Imagine you’ve owned the RV for a month, or a year. How would you feel about the floor plan? What would be an issue in the kitchen? How much will you enjoy driving it?
Be prepared to walk
Dress accordingly! Wear comfy shoes, bring water and snacks (and cash for food). Don’t bring a purse or handbag—you’ll want to keep your hands free for carrying swag and taking notes—but a backpack could be handy.
Go to the seminars
Many RV shows offer seminars on all kinds of RV lifestyle topics. Some of them will be infomercials for the vendors, but you’ll find terrific information at other sessions. Take advantage of them—you’ll find great resources on RV living.
Don’t rush
Take the time you need to get the information you need. There’s a lot to do, and you might be tempted to rush from one thing to the other. But it’s more important to get the right answers on fewer things than to get vague impressions on a lot of things.
Next Steps
- Get more great RV tips—subscribe to our blog.
- RV Resource Guide—Discover how to make your RV dreams a reality.
- Going to the Hershey RV Show? Check out our inventory before you arrive!
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